OXSS was founded in 1997 offering predominantly science revision, hence the name.
For the vast majority of GCSE students’ science is compulsory. Most schools offer students a choice of dual award, where Biology, Chemistry and Physics combine to count as two GCSEs; or a triple award, where the three sciences count as three separate GCSEs. Sometimes the triple award is referred to as single science – i.e. each science is a separate GCSE, though do note that AQA call their dual award offering “Trilogy”.
All our science tutors will be familiar with all distinctions and will pitch their sessions as appropriate, for example, 2nd year higher level triple award Chemistry, 1st year foundation dual award. On application you will provide this above detail, so that we can timetable students appropriately.
At OXSS we have a large number of tutors that specialise in Chemistry. Each educated to degree level or beyond, with years of teaching experience and an enthusiasm to inspire.
Like all our courses, GCSE Chemistry revision courses are bespoke to the learner and designed specifically to each exam board’s specification. All our exam-based courses are student-led, with the students highlighting their areas of concern in the first session, and tutors tailor the learning to meet their need through the appropriate learning style.
See our Student-led Revision Courses page for how this works in practice.
We cover all GCSE exam boards and differentiate between dual and triple award, first and second year of GCSE, as well as higher and foundation level exams.
For courses of high demand, students will be taught in small groups, typically 2-4 students, with a maximum of 6 students timetabled per class.
Although the content of all courses is student-led the tutors will also be aware of topics that they know students often get wrong or struggle with.
From a tutor and student point of view the student-led approach is a huge advantage. Focusing on problem areas is the most effective use of the limited time on a revision course and provides students with a relevant learning experience.
For many students sitting their GCSEs, they have never been exposed to public exams before. This can be a daunting experience, and many are unsure of how to study.
Through our study skills sessions and smaller class sizes, students are given the opportunity to converse with experienced teachers and other students to find methods that work for them. Study skills (on Easter and Summer Courses), however, is not just about ways to study. In these sessions, we also cover topics like managing stress, importance of exercise in learning and much more.
In the case of GCSEs we are here to help students learn how to revise, to speed up the revision process, and clarify troublesome topics.
For Chemistry practice is absolutely key. Chemistry concepts can seem quite abstract and out of place to many students, but by sitting down and solving problems they learn how to interpret and apply knowledge to varying scenarios. Our tutors, some of whom are examiners, can help them learn how to do this. Simply reading a chemistry textbook or revision guide on their own will not suffice. True comprehension and application of chemistry comes by means of consolidation and practice of overall learning.
We are here to help students:
We can’t do the revision for them, but we can help make it more efficient by provide a structured learning environment and expert support.
Don’t get us wrong, there are some truly amazing resources out there. However, you need to be careful in selecting your sources of learning. Are they the right exam board or aimed at the right level? Is the resource up to date? Some exam boards will change their syllabus every year or every couple of years, adding and removing topics.
The following are generally seen as relatively safe:
Things to avoid:
AI and other common websites like Wikipedia can be powerful tools in teaching, but they are not 100% reliable. These systems are based on what others have entered into them and often come up with inaccurate or incomplete information.
Additionally, AI cannot understand where a student is falling short in their answers and knowledge and help them troubleshoot these with correct answers of exactly what examiners will be looking for.
At OXSS we show students how to navigate the vast resources available to them and pick the ones that will benefit them and their learning styles. Taking a student-centred approach with sessions being tailored to your son or daughter in the areas they need the most.
Some of the common areas students often fall short in exams are: